Seven News is introducing a new brand with a Spotlight series next week.
In The Blink Of An Eye
“I don’t want anger, bitterness and revenge in my household today. We’ve focused on forgiveness and starting our lives all over again… knowing that we’ll see them soon.” ~ Danny Abdallah
This was pure innocence. A group of seven carefree siblings and cousins, enjoying a moment of childhood independence as they walked to get an ice cream from the shops on a hot Australian summer evening.
There was laughter and jokes as they took turns on a bicycle – when without warning the unthinkable.
In the blink of an eye, an alleged drunk driver ploughs his out-of-control ute into the group at more than 100 kilometres per hour.
Four young lives were instantly lost by the side of the road at Oatlands in Sydney’s west that fateful day in February this year – not even 10 minutes from their home. Three siblings, Antony Abdallah, 13, Angelina Abdallah, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, eight, and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11, who now share the same grave.
It was a tragedy that rocked all of Australia. The details would break any heart.
Five months on and dedicated to honouring the memories of their children, these courageous families open up in the most emotional story of the year.
Through intensely personal accounts and featuring never-before-seen home videos, those closest to the victims reflect on their lives in this moving 7NEWS Spotlight special presentation, In The Blink Of An Eye.
Determined to right the wrong for their beautiful children, they share with Michael Usher their powerful fight for justice to ensure no other family endures the same.
“I remember when I first reported this tragedy on the news,” said Usher. “I said out loud – those poor parents. I’d curl up in a corner and want to die. What I have found with these amazing families, however, is not crippling grief. But astonishing hope, faith and love beyond words. They’re inspiring. I’ve taken great strength from them. And I think everyone watching will as well.”
For the first time, the three children who survived the shocking accident tell of their frightening ordeal, including 11-year-old Charbel Kassas, who spent more than two months in a coma recovering from catastrophic injuries.
Above all else, this is a story of hope. And the boy who survived against all odds
7NEWS Spotlight – In The Blink Of An Eye airs on Tuesday, 21 July, at 8.45pm on 7
